There have been rumors that Degel Hatorah is going to run with its own candidate in the upcoming Jerusalem mayoral elections, but according to Degel Deputy Mayor Yitzchak Pindrus, this is not so. Pindrus is quoted saying on Sunday evening, “If Degel supports a chareidi candidate for mayor of Jerusalem, then it will be candidate Yossi Deutsch”, adding, “This is the current picture”.

Degel signaled it may not accept the chassidish candidate, Deutsch, due to ongoing machlokes with Agudas Yisrael in a number of chareidi cities ahead of elections. This includes Elad and Beit Shemesh to mention two. However, at least according to Pindrus, for now, Degel will not compete against the chareidi candidate, but Pindrus fell short of committing to support Deutsch’s bid for the city’s top position. Pindrus made his remarks during a Sunday evening interview with Kol Chai Radio.

However, the threat of another chareidi candidate still lingers in the air, from Shas, as party chairman Minister Aryeh Deri signals he has not made up his mind and still may announce a candidate from the Sephardi chareidi party. Deri was waiting to see what Degel Hatorah was going to do before announcing his decision.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)